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The cropped tee

Excuse the 80's retail reference but cropped tops make me think of my "Tammy Girl" era. Then I was 10. Now I am considerably older than that but I am still going to pretend that I can get away with it.
I was in Zara a few months ago and got a little bit inspired by a mannequin...it happens. "She" was wearing a mid-length skirt and a cropped top. There was something nice about it - modest but fashionable. My only hesitation was the thought of the world seeing my stomach and the hint of the belly button piercing that I got as soon as I finished my last university degree exam/post pub - i.e., this would not be a good look.

But you know what? Sod it. I say this because during my UK trip I spotted the most beautiful/perfect cropped top. Grey marl with the kind of embellishment that makes me swoon. I bought it and I bloomin' well wore it.

The key - at least for me - is to have just a hint of flesh on show. It's better that way. It's better for me as it makes me feel less self-conscious. And I imagine it's better for everyone else who looks at me as well :) No belly button reveal this time. Pair with a high waisted skirt and you're set.

The difference between these and the other ones I have is just 4mm but they make such a difference. They remind me of the Victoria Beckham glasses I drooled over at the airport but are more than half the price...and just as fabulous. Sorry Vicky and thanks to LisaLisaD1 for bringing these to my attention!

2) I have been shopping the stash again and came across Lorac Serenity eyeshadow. Who remembers when I bought this? :)

If you wanted a beautiful wash of gold with a slight copper undertone then you need this! It's just such a pretty base. I wear it all over with a ton of NARS Mekong smudged along the lash line. Done in about 2 minutes and gives just the right amount of smokey eye.

Now of course a shadow this perfect in colour has to be discontinued doesn't it? *rolls eyes*

Occasionally they seem to bring it back in a set so I will keep an eye out. Are all Lorac shadows this amazingly buttery in texture?

Hope you had a great weekend so far. I have done very little to report but I am reading a great book at the moment. I finished Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty which I really enjoyed (I saw the endorsement by author SJ Watson on the front cover and so had to buy) and am on to The Marriage of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris. It covers a serious topic - a young girl getting married to a man she hardly knows - but the characterisation is warm and well thought out.

Wow, I remember Tammy girl. I used to shop in there all the time! Anyway, I absolutely love the look and would definitely wear it, for me I can only get away with crop tops when its like an inch of belly showing.

Tammy Girl!!! I remember dragging my poor Mum around that shop, we must be around the same age!

I've been toying with the idea of some Ray Ban aviators for quite some time now (over a year - I'm hugely indecisive!!) but I think seeing these on you, it's made my decision!

I actually bought a cropped top from Zara recently but got it home and chickened out and took it back! It was a bit shorter than this though and the belly button was on full display (I too had one pierced straight after my exams on bored summer's day!!)

Good books, I'm not sure if you've read The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns, both are very good but have been around a while. I'm trying to read Life after Life at the moment but struggling with it for some reason, I just can't get into it!

Hope you've had a great weekend (I know it's back to work for you tomorrow in Dubai - wish I was back there!!)

I remember owning something from Tammy Girl but I'm not convinced it was ever from the actual store when I had it, I think it had been bought over by Arcadia by that point. I like the combination of pink and grey and this is definitely the best way to wear a crop top. I'm not a fan of the full on stomach showing whether it be my own or other peoples.

I need that Topshop crop tee. It's absolutely beautiful. Loving the entire outfit including the make-up. The Lorac eyeshadow is calling me. Such a shame that it's discontinued. Why must good things come to an end eh? I'm currently interested in reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. :)

I (unfortunately) remember Tammy Girl very well - I had a long sleeved top from there saying "what shall I be today..." then loads of cats that all had different personalities (crazy, cute, glamorous, etc) - horrendous! Your outfit, on the other hand, is anything but - I think you've nailed the cropped tee look.

It's funny that you should ask for reading recommendations, as I've started a new feature on my blog where I discuss different things I've been loving over the past fortnight, and I featured you on my 'read' section as my favourite blog of the moment! The post is here: http://www.meg-says.com/2014/03/the-fortnightly-one-1.html and I've also been reading The Lovely Bones, Gone Girl and Watching the English. All brilliant!

Funny that you mention the size of the glasses because I've seen someone wear frames that are entirely too large for her very cute face >_< but LOVE the soft and subtleness (Is this a word?) of this look!

Ha Tammy girl was a fave shop of mine. I seem to remember buying a pair of floral dungerees that were worn to death during one summer! I love the crop tee on you. On me not so much due to excess bellyage but on you it's a beaut. Will check out that book. I love a good read xx

i really really really wish i could pull of a crop top and have the confidence to wear something that gave even the smallest hint of flesh but until i'm confident enough, i shall be lusting from afar ;) you, however, have styled it so well and made what could be a very revealing piece look very sophisticated! :) X